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Fans Threaten To Stop Watching Baseball Over MLB Plans To Introduce Robot Umpires
Robots have proved helpful in most fields, and the game of baseball seems to be its next stop as the implementation of Automated Balls and Strikes Systems (ABSS) may take effect in Major League Baseball(MLB). However, not many people are happy with the recent innovation, as many think it may ruin the whole essence of Baseball and stop it from being a delight to watch.
The system, dubbed the "robot umpire," has sparked off reactions on social media, and fans are beginning to threaten to protest if the system is approved for use. It is becoming more confident that the system might eventually get approval as the Commissioner for Major League Baseball, Rob Manfred, disclosed on The Carton Show in October last year that versions of ABSS were already being tested. According to him, fans should expect to see the system implemented in one form or another because there's a high chance it will be used in the big league.
"I think you will see the automated system in one form or another. We are using two forms in the minor leagues, one where every pitch is called by a machine and the second one is a challenge system, it takes about four seconds per challenge," he said.
Recall that MLB's plan to implement these robot umpires at all 30 Triple-A ballparks was first reported by ESPN, and some had merely disregarded it, arguing that it seemed unrealistic. The system was first experimented with in 2019 at the Independent Atlantic League, it was also used as a challenge system in 2022, and the pitcher, batter, or catcher was allowed to appeal a human umpire's decision in response to the computer's call. Now that versions are already being tested for approval, the final fate of the ABSS is in the hands of team owners to decide if they want to implement it.
Although results obtained from past trials suggest it may be a success and eventually approved, Commissioner Manfred thinks there are still aspects needed to be considered or improved on if it will be coming to MLB by 2024.
"There are difficult issues surrounding the strike zone that affect outcomes on the field, and we need to make sure we understand those before we jump off that bridge," he explained.
The robot umpires were used in the Triple-A Pacific Coast League last season, and manager Jared Sandberg agreed it was effective. He explained that the ABSS has helped to reduce complaints from players as it's impossible to yell at a robot umpire and has brought consistency to the game even if a few loose ends are left.
"They've had to lower the high strike. They've made some adjustments throughout the season. I know there have been some times when there have been some frustrating calls, a ball clipped the zone or clipped the corner, or is off the plate and clips the line. So there has been some frustration, but it has brought some consistency to the game."
The MLB's plan to introduce this robot umpire system has left a lot of baseball fans discontented. Some think it's a pointless addition, and others believe it would ruin the fun and excitement of watching a manager interact with human players. Others have simply threatened to stop watching baseball if the ABSS take over as umpires.
What will happen to the future of baseball? Will the MLB consider its fans' disinterest and abandon plans or act nonchalant to public complaints and implement it anyways?